OET Speaking Role-Play 37
OET Speaking Role-Play Card
Role Play – Emergency Situation
Time allowed: 5 minutes preparation + 5 minutes role play
Your Role (Candidate)
You are a registered nurse working in the Emergency Department.
Patient Details
Name: Mr David Wilson
Age: 55 years
Location: Emergency Department
Presenting complaint: Sudden onset of severe chest pain and shortness of breath
Behaviour: Very anxious and panicking; has difficulty understanding complex explanations
Setting
Emergency Department – resuscitation / assessment cubicle
Task
During this role play, you should:
Introduce yourself clearly and take control of the situation.
Assess the patient’s symptoms quickly, including:
Onset and location of pain
Severity of pain
Associated symptoms (shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness)
Ask relevant brief medical history questions.
Reassure the patient using calm, simple, and supportive language.
Explain the immediate nursing actions being taken to stabilise and assess the patient.
Information for the Candidate
The patient is frightened and may speak rapidly or unclearly.
Use short sentences and simple language where appropriate.
Do not make a medical diagnosis.
Focus on safety, reassurance, and clear communication.
Role-Play
Introduction & Control
Nurse (calm, firm, reassuring):
“Hello, Mr Wilson. My name is Nurse Patel. I’m one of the emergency nurses here. I’m going to stay with you and help you.”
“Please look at me for a moment. I can see you’re very uncomfortable.”
Panicking Patient Response
Patient (panicked, breathless):
“I can’t breathe… my chest hurts so bad… please help me… I think I’m dying!”
De-escalation & Reassurance
Nurse:
“I understand you’re very scared, Mr Wilson. You’re safe here, and we are acting quickly.”
“Try to take a slow breath with me. In… and out. Good. I’m right here.”
Rapid Symptom Assessment
Nurse:
“I need to ask you a few quick questions so we can help you properly.”
“Where is the pain? Can you show me?”
Patient:
“Here… middle of chest… very tight.”
Nurse:
“Thank you. When did the pain start? Just now, or earlier?”
Patient:
“About twenty minutes ago… suddenly.”
Nurse:
“Okay. How bad is the pain right now?”
“Zero means no pain. Ten means the worst pain.”
Patient:
“Eight… maybe nine.”
Associated Symptoms
Nurse:
“Does the pain move anywhere? To your arm, neck, or jaw?”
Patient:
“Yes… left arm.”
Nurse:
“Are you feeling dizzy, sick, or sweating?”
Patient:
“Yes… sweating… head feels light.”
Medical History
Nurse:
“Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems?”
Patient:
“Yes… blood pressure.”
Nurse:
“Do you take medicine every day?”
Patient:
“Yes… tablet in the morning.”
Reassurance Without Diagnosis (Excellent Nursing Scope)
Patient (panicking again):
“Please don’t let me die… I’m very scared.”
Nurse:
“I hear you, Mr Wilson. It’s completely normal to feel scared right now.”
“You came to the hospital quickly, which is very important. We are monitoring you closely.”
Explaining Immediate Actions
Nurse:
“Let me explain what we’re doing now.”
“I’m going to place these stickers on your chest to check your heart.”
“This monitor will watch your heart all the time.”
“I’ll check your blood pressure and oxygen regularly.”
“I’m giving you oxygen to help your breathing.”
“The doctor is reviewing your tests and will see you very shortly.”
Maintaining Control & Cooperation
Nurse:
“Please try to stay still and take slow breaths.”
“If the pain changes, gets worse, or you feel more short of breath, tell me immediately.”
Patient:
“Okay… thank you… I feel a little calmer.”
Closing
Nurse:
“You’re doing very well, Mr Wilson.”
“I’m staying with you, and we’ll keep explaining everything step by step. You’re not alone.”